Strap in, it's a long one.
So, if you are at all like me, you were ill-prepared to figure out how this licensure thing is really supposed to work. Kudos to your mentors/training sites if you are not like me and feel completely prepared and have clear steps toward licensure in the state of your choice outlined in your internship training notebook.
For the rest of us, we have to figure out where we want to apply (easier for some, true), when we want to apply (considering things like getting notification to take the EPPP), and how in the world the application is supposed to be filled out and to whom to send those friggin' forms.
Where:
(Note: The link above will take you to a place with links to each state's board of psych site, links to laws, etc. The ASPPB has a few bits of info by state--passing EPPP scores, oral exam qualifications, etc.)
Depends on a few things, including your job type. If you work for the Feds (VA, etc) you can hold a license in any state and work in any VA (as EB pointed out, you cannot get a side private practice job unless licensed in that state though, note to selves). Or, if you aren't sure where you will work you can either apply where you are currently, or to another state of your choice to start the process. In these cases, either choose the state you want to or have a job in, or PICK A STATE where the a) licensure requirements are straight forward, b) the board is not so backed up it will take you 4 months to get application processed and your EPPP notification, c) the fees may be more reasonable, and/or d) the hoops for licensure are a little less cumbersome (i.e., no oral exam, open book or no jurisprudence exam, etc). There are probably other considerations in the PICK A STATE game, but these are the ones I have heard the most. Also, think about mobility (APA Early Career Article), if there is reciprocity or other provisions. I think you are ahead of the game if and when you realize not all states are the same, nor are they created equal in their licensing requirements (pre and post-doc hours required, complexity of forms---ahem, California, extra classes---ahem, California, oral exam, jurisprudence exam). Check them out! I'm all about informed decision-making. (P.S. I chose Oregon. Mostly because they emailed me back about a stupid question within a business day.)
When:
This can be tricky. (P.S. The ASPPB has some information on the timing, scheduling, etc. that was helpful. The FAQ’s and pg. 4 of a PDFdocument have info on the full timing from application, approval, notification, online application to PES, fee and starting your 60 day window for scheduling/taking exam.) Each state may have slightly different procedures for notifying, but the ASPPB and others have said that once your state application is processed they will notify you by paper or electronically that you have been approved and prompt you to contact PES. Then, it is up to you when you want to start your 60 day window. According to the ASPPB materials, once you pay the $450 fee, your 60 days starts. Shockingly, it is attached them getting your money. Oh, and they say not to forget that the testing people also get $65 of your money for whatever it is that they do that is special (e.g., watch you like a hawk for any weird behaviors like taking off your jacket in the middle of the test).
I have heard and read (EPPPYahoo group) several stories from applicants where it took longer (weeks or months) than they expected to be cleared by the state jurisdiction to take the EPPP. FYI, California is one in which it may take 3-4 months or so to process your application so consider that in your study timeline and plan. At least according to my sources (friends). When I decided where to apply I tried to investigate how long people were saying it was taking them to get their applications processed and the state to approve them to take the EPPP. Oregon says on their site, 2-4 weeks, but I will give an update when I actually get approved.
Forms:
This will vary widely depending on the state to which you apply. For California, if you completed your training experience(s) in the state, there is a supervisor contract you should have (or will now figure out how to do and post-date, but watch the date on the bottom of the form saying when the form was updated…they are tricky mofo’s) filled out. For a lot of other states I’ve heard about there are verification of experience forms that may or may not say they want a supervisor from your internship and from your post-doc, some may say from pre-doc work if they are 86’ing their post-doc requirements. The bottom line I have found…everyone pretty much has their training director fill those out. Don’t know why, but one of my friends was told by the board, “Oh yeah, we ask for a supervisor, but we really just want your training directors.” So, when in doubt, I guess get your DCT to fill out your verification of experience, however that may look state by state. My internship director told me he is now going to recommend everyone get licensed in Oregon because the forms are so easy (keep in mind he is at a California site). There are probably also reference forms from non-supervisors, some kind of transcript request or verification of degree from your university TD, miscellaneous information about you, FINGERPRINTING!, and other things like WAY TOO MUCH MONEY. Be prepared to need more stuff than you think you would and you’ll be set. GIVE YOURSELF TIME for this part and maybe not think, “Oh, I’ll just print off the application and send it in after a couple days.” It might take longer than a couple days, including getting all your people set up with their forms and what to do with them For example, I had a temporary license in another state while I was in grad school, and they wanted that info so I had to dig up my old license number and dates.
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